Former Moroka Swallows coach Roger De Sa has paid an emotional tribute to Les Grobler, describing the late footballer as an outstanding talent whose strength, intelligence and versatility made him one of the memorable figures in the club’s history.

Grobler passed away on Monday, prompting tributes from people who knew him and followed his contribution to South African football.

Speaking to KickOff, De Sa recalled the qualities that made Grobler such a difficult player to face during his time at Swallows. He said the former striker combined physical power with technical ability and a strong understanding of the game.

“During his time at Swallows, he was a phenomenal player—a truly great footballer. He played for Grinaker Rangers before joining Swallows, where he was a machine of note,” De Sa said.

He explained that Grobler was particularly dangerous in the air, possessed a powerful shot and could also trouble opponents through his free-kicks.

Beyond his physical attributes, De Sa highlighted the footballer’s intelligence and ability to operate in different positions.

“He understood the game and was a very clever footballer. He played as a striker and could also play as a midfielder,” he added.

Grobler was also part of a memorable attacking combination at Swallows during the late 1980s, alongside Noel Cousins and Calvin Petersen. De Sa described the trio as an important part of the club’s team during that period.

His contribution to football, however, extended beyond his playing career. De Sa revealed that Grobler remained involved in the sport in his later years, dedicating time to coaching young players despite facing personal difficulties.

The former Swallows player had reportedly experienced health challenges in recent years. De Sa also spoke about the emotional impact of losing his wife after her lengthy battle with cancer, saying Grobler had taken the loss particularly hard.

Despite those difficulties, Grobler continued trying to remain positive and maintained contact with friends in football. De Sa recalled that he would occasionally travel to Cape Town to visit him and others.

Reflecting on the loss, De Sa expressed the sadness of losing someone who had shared important moments in the football community.

“It’s always a shock to lose someone. It’s never easy.”

His tribute adds to the recognition of Grobler’s contribution to Moroka Swallows and the lasting memories he leaves among those who played alongside him and watched him perform.

Source: https://x.com/kickoffmagazine/status/2116833267613569252?s=46